The National Football League owners meetings give us an opportunity to talk to coaches and general managers alike about a variety of topics. It also gives those who normally don't get to ask questions to different people some interesting answers.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was one of those individuals speaking with the media Tuesday morning about a variety of topics. When he was asked about one particular free agent addition, his response was very noteworthy.
Kevin O'Connell highlights Brian Flores' eye for talent in Isaiah Rodgers
One of the lower-profile signings the Vikings made this offseason was also their first during the legal tampering period in former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. He signed a two-year contract worth up to $15 million with incentives.
The biggest reason why the Vikings targeted Rodgers? According to O'Connell, it was defensive coordinator Brian Flores who said that he was identified pretty early.
"Isaiah was a guy that 'Flo' identified pretty early. I've been doing this long enough with Flo, but once he has that tone in his voice about guys, he's been pretty darn accurate."
If Flores loves you, it speaks volumes as to who you are as a player. I did a film breakdown of Rodgers after he signed and his film fits what the Vikings need at cornerback.
Being a capable tackler is a huge thing for Flores' defense. The aggressive nature which Flores calls the unit means defenders will be in one-on-one positions and need to make a tackle in space.
Rodgers also fits in other ways. He's played in a variety of schemes in his career, with last season playing a lot of zone in Vic Fangio's. They use a variety of concepts with the majority of them being zone. They also do some match concepts and Rodgers does a good job of understanding when to pass off receivers.
It's no secret that the Vikings have a great group of individuals running the organization across the board. The work they have done over the past three years to build up the organization has been nothing short of stellar.
If Flores wants you, it speaks volumes about who you are and what you can be. He's a big reason why the Vikings gave Josh Metellus an extension before he became a regular contributor on defense and that's worked out really well. Theoretically, Rodgers is a similar bet and he fits the profile of players that the Vikings have recently targeted at cornerback.
